This is the third romance I’ve read now by Meryl Wilsner, and I feel their romances are always a fun time, even if they’re not necessarily ones that leave too much of a lasting impression overall. However, they’re perfect for when I just need an audiobook or a quick read to get me out of a slump, and Cleat Cute is no exception!

Now, I’m no stranger to sports romances, and honestly, I quite like them every once in a while. There’s just something about the competitive setting that seems to add an extra layer of tension to the romance, especially when utilized well. I feel like Cleat Cute does generally do this, and a lot of the romantic and plot tension does come from the intricacies of the sport and inter-team dynamics. However, there were moments where I wish it had been used a little more somehow, though the specifics of the plot do make it harder to do so. I think the timing of the romance within the season just meant that the tension from this setting wasn’t always entirely there, as while the performance of our characters was important to an extent, it was still pre-season or early on in the season, so the games themselves weren’t necessarily intense or specifically about winning. It did make for an interesting perspective though, how for individual players it isn’t just about winning, but about their individual performance within a game. 

Overall though, I did like the general chemistry between Grace and Phoebe, even if I struggled with their relationship for parts near the end. However, I do like how Wilsner used their neurodivergencies throughout the story, in a way that felt real and would genuinely contribute to the misunderstandings they often had. As someone with ADHD myself, while I didn’t entirely feel seen by Phoebe’s character, I did enjoy her character and seeing someone with some of my same habits/thoughts in a romance book like this! 

I’ll definitely be reading Wilsner’s next book whenever it comes out, as their books continue to bring me joy!